Learn to Sail

Sailing: Come Sail Away

Come Sail Away is an exceptional and affordable course for those with an urge to get out on the water. 

Sailing is a challenging sport. To help ensure the safety of everyone on board, a good sailor must have a healthy respect for Mother Nature, known as Seamanship, and must always be aware of the shifting winds and the changing waters.

Classes are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and enjoyable recreational sailing. Each class it taught by certified instructors who have a passion for being on the water. Classes will take place out of Phalen Lakeside Activity Center.

Sailing Topics:

  • Rigging
  • Useful knots in sailing
  • Sailing terminology
  • Rules of the road for sailors
  • Sailing rescues for students & others
  • Sailing to all points of the wind

Register for sailing lessons 

Learn to Paddle, Row or Scull

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation partners with the organizations below to offer opportunities for our community to get on the water and learn rowing and paddlesports. Please reach out to them directly if you have questions or want to give their programs a try.

Rowing: Minnesota Boat Club

The Minnesota Boat Club has been promoting health and fitness through the sport of rowing since 1870. Generations of rowers have rowed on the Mississippi in downtown Saint Paul from the historic boathouse that is located on the shores of Raspberry Island underneath the Wabasha bridge. The boat club offers programs for a wide variety of competitive and recreational rowers and conducts high school and adult rowing classes. Visit their website for more information about the club or to try out rowing.

Minnesota Boat Club

Lake Phalen Rowing

Lake Phalen Rowing is a not-for-profit community rowing organization located in St. Paul on the calm waters of Lake Phalen. We offer adult programs for competitive and recreational rowers. Adult Learn-to-Row classes are also offered. Youth (age 13-18) can participate in team boats immediately without any prior experience. We are an inclusive community that ignites a passion for rowing by encouraging the development of rowers, and celebrating team and individual success so every rower can experience the life-long benefits of rowing. We are a proud member of USRowing and all coaches are USRowing Certified.

Lake Phalen Rowing

Watercraft Rentals and Boat Rides

No boat? No problem! Whether you are looking for a kayak, canoe, paddle board, swan boat, pontoon boat, fishing boat, or riverboat ride, our partners offer plenty of options to get you out on the water this season.

Watercraft Rental & Boat Ride Map

Last Edited: May 23, 2025